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First New Zealand trial of self-driving vehicle set for this year

Xinhua, September 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

The first-ever New Zealand trial of a self-driving vehicle will take place this year, Transport Minister Simon Bridges said Tuesday.

Sweden-based car maker Volvo and the New Zealand Traffic Institute (Trafinz) would demonstrate the autonomous vehicle technology in the eastern North Island city of Tauranga in November, Bridges said in a statement.

"This is will be the first trial of its kind in New Zealand and reflects our world-leading regulation around autonomous vehicles, which encourages new technology while protecting public safety," Bridges said.

"Autonomous vehicles will be a big part of the future of transport and offer potential safety, efficiency and environmental benefits. It is exciting to see international recognition that New Zealand is at the forefront of enabling this technology," he said.

"Testing in New Zealand also enables an understanding of how the technology responds to the New Zealand environment and allows our transport sector to gain skills in deploying and managing new technology."

The New Zealand Transport Agency and Ministry of Transport were working with Volvo and Trafinz to ensure the trial would operate within the law, including appropriately managing any safety risks. Endit